The "logo" method is a new technique for growing rice. It reduces pest attacks, helps control weeds, makes correct fertiliser application easier and raises yields, according to the Agriculture Information Service (AIS).

The logo method means leaving one row empty after every 10 rows when transplanting rice seedlings. It is best to leave a 12 to 16-inch gap after every 10 rows. When planting, one line is left unplanted after every 10 rows and planting continues in the next line, until the whole field is planted.

• Brown planthoppers and stem borers do the most damage to rice and attack more in shaded places. With the logo method, plants get enough light and air, so pest attacks fall, especially brown planthopper attacks.
• Weeding, correct fertiliser application and other care become much easier. Weeds pulled during cleaning can be buried in the logo rows to make good organic fertiliser.
• Rat attacks are lower in such fields.
• Done correctly, yields can rise by four to five maunds a bigha.

AIS advises farmers to contact their nearest upazila agriculture office or sub-assistant agriculture officer for details, or to call the government agricultural call centre on 16123.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.